50 small towns to visit around the world in 2018

Explore enchanting towns across the globe.

If you’re looking for an escape from the thick crowds, bustling blocks and frenetic sights and sounds of city life, fortunately there are plenty of scenic idylls — filled with personality, charm, storybook settings and a slower pace — worth exploring.

And as you tackle the slopes in an inviting ski town, soak up history in a centuries-old village or wander along cobblestone streets to vibrant coffee shops, green spaces and local boutiques and bistros, you can immerse yourself in diverse enclaves and lovely landscapes.

With that in mind, these classic and up-and-coming small towns merit a visit in 2018, whether you’re plotting a quick weekend ski break, a coastal retreat or a history-fueled journey.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Long known as an easy weekend escape from D.C., Harpers Ferry beckons to adventurous types with its 20 miles of scenery-packed trails in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (including access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail). As the point where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers intersect, this alluring mountain town also wins over visitors with its beautiful backdrops, especially in autumn, when green, golden and orange leaves drape the town’s landscapes. During your visit, explore Civil War battlefields, take serene riverside strolls and get your heart racing with some hiking, rafting and zip lining. Back in town, wander along cobblestone lanes and admire 18th-century architecture before retreating to a charming inn.

Pictured: A view of Harpers Ferry on July 5, 2005. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)